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The most recent version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.